Multidisciplinary collaboration for student research experience

The Charles Perkins Centre Summer Research Scholarship 2023–24 program awarded 19 talented students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in research during the summer break, to work on projects contributing to the understanding, management, or prevention of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and related conditions. 

This cohort’s research project topics included analysing the health risks of urban heat, regulatory barriers related to food allergen management in Australia, and the impact of weight management interventions on eating disorders.

At the conclusion of their two-month project working with multidisciplinary researchers at the Centre, the 19 scholars pitched their research results with three-minute presentations of their research projects.

The 19 recipients in this cohort come from five different faculties – Medicine and Health, Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Sydney Law School and Engineering – and worked with 35 different supervisors. 

Developing student skills and experience

Since the program launched in 2016, it has awarded 154 scholarships with many of the recipients going on to study for higher research degrees and take up fellowship positions at the Charles Perkins Centre, as well as University faculties. This year’s scholar, Billy Jiang worked with Professors David James and Jean Yang on his project: Multi-omics Analysis of White Adipose Tissue’s Insulin Responsiveness.

“My experience as a CPC Summer Research Scholar in the David James Lab has been transformative. I was able to get involved in cutting-edge metabolic research and statistical bioinformatics. I've not only obtained invaluable knowledge, but I've also discovered my passion for systems biology.

This experience has ignited a profound inspiration within me, and I have just decided to go on the adventure of pursuing a PhD, carrying with me the lessons learned and guidance received. The CPC Summer Research Scholarship Program has played a critical role in my academic and professional development,” said Billy.

An integral component is the presentation day when the students ‘pitch’ their research in three minutes to an audience of supervisors, colleagues and students from across the disciplines involved. It’s in impactful, engaging event, hosted by Charles Perkins Centre Academic Director Professor Stephen Simpson.

Nicolene worked with Professor David Celermajer and Dr Fabian Stack on her project Changing hearts, minds and policy: incorporating carbon impacts into cardiovascular disease treatment decisions and policy.

The program gave Nicolene the opportunity to see the interconnectedness of all research and how collaboration and multidisciplinarity are key to finding solutions and having impact.

“If one thing stood out to me from my experience with the CPC Summer Research Program, it is this: there is no such thing as a simple question. Working with experienced researchers from interdisciplinary backgrounds taught me just how quickly our research becomes multidimensional when we seek to understand the interconnected causes and impacts of modern challenges,” said Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) student Nicolene Elder.

“I finished the program with certainty in the role young people will play in pioneering collaborative research to approach the complex issues that will define our lives, and personal confidence to ask the difficult questions throughout my future academic and professional journeys,” said Nicolene.

“This is an important part of the whole program. We get to see the work and our students gain valuable experience in distilling their ideas and findings to a three-minute presentation. Presenting their work to an audience of peers is very important in developing future academic careers.

Big challenges for the common good

This event not only highlighted the dedication of the scholars but highlighted the enduring impact of the program in developing the future generation of research leaders. We’re fostering a culture where our undergraduate and postgraduate students are stewarded to excel, engage and work on projects that have impact.

The students’ projects use the Charles Perkins Centre’s multidisciplinary approach to problem-solve and to investigate the greatest challenges in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and their related conditions. All the projects tackle these greatest challenges for translation to the common good impact while transforming their student educational experience and developing their future potential with the Centre’s research excellence supporting their investigations,” said Professor Simpson.

Professor Simpson emphasised the program's focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. He praised the scholars for their ability to conceive and execute their research projects while collaborating with top-class supervisors from various disciplinary backgrounds, in line with the Centre's mission of advancing knowledge and enhancing health outcomes.

Since 2016, Dr Barry Catchlove AM, an alumnus of the University of Sydney, has been supporting early career researchers at the Charles Perkins Centre through the Nicholas Catchlove Early Career Researcher Development Fund, in memory of his son. Dr Catchlove's generosity has played a pivotal role in guiding numerous young scientists through this innovative, multidisciplinary program, ensuring the continuation of groundbreaking research endeavours.

Applications for the Charles Perkins Centre Summer Research Scholarships 2024–25 open in September 2024.